Can I Work in Care Without a DBS? Get Useful Insights!

Aspiring carers frequently ask whether they can begin working without completing a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. The DBS check is an essential part of the hiring process in the care industry, where employees interact directly with children or vulnerable people.

Whether you are a newcomer to the care industry or someone looking for reassurance before starting a new job, a DBS check becomes necessary for better employment opportunities.

In this blog, we will answer the commonly asked question among UK carers: ‘Can I work in care without a DBS?’ We will also explore the ins and outs of DBS checks and how to navigate the process smoothly.

What is a DBS Check?

DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. A DBS Check is a background screening tool conducted by the UK government to help employers make informed hiring decisions in some specific work sectors.

How was DBS created?

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Interdepartmental Safeguarding Authority (ISA) established this measure in 2012. These two agencies merged to form the non-departmental public body, which streamlined the process of background checks during hiring.

This check mainly occurs for roles involving interaction with vulnerable individuals, such as children or adults needing care. A DBS check aims to ensure these individuals’ safety and protection.

Is a DBS check required for jobs in care?

Regarding the care industry, we must deal with vulnerable people from all demographics and age groups. Naturally, the safety of these vulnerable people comes at the top.

Care organisations can avoid hiring people with a history of harm or criminal activity by conducting thorough background checks on prospective employees. This helps create a safe and secure environment for those in their care.

When working in health and adult social care services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (HSCA), there are two situations where DBS checks become necessary. 

• First, when registering with CQC (Care Quality Commission), 
• Second, when working in a health or social care service that involves regulated activities as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA), as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA). 

This requirement applies to various healthcare providers, including general practice, primary medical services, and dentistry.

Legal requirements and regulations in the care industry highlight the necessity of DBS checks for most care-related roles. Such requirements ensure that care providers provide the best possible support while adhering to strict safety protocols.

Can I work in care without a DBS?

In short, yes. Currently, there are no laws or regulations that will prevent you from starting your career as a carer without a Disclosure and Barring Service or DBS.

However, it doesn’t create a good impression on the employer or hirer if they see you applying for a carer role without a valid DBS certificate. As care homes deal with vulnerable people, they don’t want to put someone in charge of such risky affairs without proper validation.

“Can I start work before the DBS check is completed?”

Long story short, you can work in the care sector momentarily without a DBS. But it is best practice to get that check done and certified so that nothing can stop you from getting your job as a carer. 

If anything, you will most likely get called more and picked more by employers if you get your DBS checks right. It’s better to be safe than sorry; that’s all it boils down to.

Why are DBS checks important?

By now, you should have a pretty good idea of why you should opt for a DBS check when applying for a carer position. DBS checks are important for carers as they ensure that you are safe to work around vulnerable people’s groups. 

It plays an important role in protecting individuals who use CQC-registered services by preventing those known to pose a risk, as several investigations into child fatalities and injuries, as well as incidents in health and social care settings, have shown the gravity of thorough recruitment practices.  

For instance, the Bichard inquiry highlighted the fundamental nature of recruitment checks in ensuring people’s safety. Besides that, a DBS check will help you become a care worker or healthcare assistant with no experience in UK care settings.

Types of DBS Checks

There are four levels or four types of DBS checks. These are:

• Basic DBS check
• Standard DBS check
• Enhanced DBS check
• Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check

Each of the checks contains different types of information. It is important to know which one is required for your job. For our purposes, to work in care you need to complete an enhanced DBS check; the basic pack just won’t cut it.

How to apply for a DBS check?

Anyone over sixteen can apply for the basic type of DBS check. Individuals can apply directly to DBS through the national online application link or a responsible organisation. 

Standard, enhanced, and enhanced with barred list DBS checks are only suitable for specific roles, so individuals cannot apply independently. A recruiting organisation, such as an employer, must submit the application to DBS and determine whether or not the individual is qualified for the position.

If you’re self-employed, you can apply for a basic DBS check. However, you cannot apply for a standard, enhanced or enhanced with barred list DBS check alone. A registered body, such as a recruitment agency or company affiliated with the DBS, must determine if that person (you) is qualified.

How much is the DBS check fee?

The basic and standard DBS checks are charged £21.50, and the enhanced and enhanced with barred list DBS checks are charged £49.50.

What information is needed for a basic DBS check?

You will provide:

• All addresses from the last five years with corresponding dates
• National insurance number
• Passport
• Driving license

Note that the service time is between 8:00 AM and 11:30 PM.

How to Obtain a DBS Certificate Online?

In this digitalised time, you are right to ask whether you can apply for a DBS check online. Yes, you can. The process is easy. But know that it’s only the basic level of DBS check that you can apply on your own. This application is available for citizens of both England and Wales. 

How to get a DBS certificate online? Let’s take a look at the following steps!

1. Go to the DBS page on the UK government website or just simply type https://gov.uk/dbs 
2. Select “Apply for a basic DBS check.”
3. Verify your identity (National Insurance number, Passport, Driving License, etc.)
4. Insert a valid debit/credit card 
5. Put all your addresses for the last 5 years and the dates you lived there

Based on your age, where you’ve been living for the last 12 months and the type of ID that you have available, you’ll be given a choice of companies that will be able to verify your identity. Some of these are:

• Royal Mail
• Experian
• Barclays
• Citizen Safe
• Post Office
• Digidentity
• Secure Identity

By following these steps, you can confidently complete your DBS check application online and await your certificate with ease. Learn more about what other carer training you need to become a carer in the UK!

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How long does a DBS check take for carers?

One common concern among people waiting for their DBS certificate is the duration of the check itself. Generally, DBS check processing takes 14 days. The process can get lengthy for some reasons, such as:

• Providing wrong information by mistake
• Involvement of multiple police forces in the check

The overall DBS check process in a nutshell

So, the ultimate flowchart of the DBS process (basic and enhanced) would be something like this: 

⇒ You are offered a job in the care sector that requires a DBS check.

⇒ The employer will give you a DBS check application form to fill out.

⇒ Complete the form with your proper identity and return it to the employer. 

⇒ Employer sends it to the Disclosure and Barring Services (or to an umbrella body).

⇒ The checking starts.

⇒ For an enhanced check, a search of local police records and the national police computer is carried out.

⇒ The DBS certificate will be printed and sent to you (not your employer).

Also, you can check out how to get a caregiver job in the UK and get all the helpful insights!

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Bottom Line

Time to wrap up! If you want a career in the care industry, giving importance to DBS checks is crucial. These checks are designed to help protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm and ensure their safety in the hands of care professionals. 

We’d advise you to complete a DBS check before starting work in the care industry. While temporary arrangements may be necessary in some cases, it is critical to prioritise safety and adhere to the policies established by your employer and relevant regulatory bodies. 

While the duration of DBS checks for carers may vary depending on the check level, knowing the average processing times allows for better planning and reduces unnecessary stress. Remember to initiate the DBS check process well to ensure a smooth employment journey.

Obtain your DBS certificate, prioritise safety, and start a fulfilling career supporting those who depend on your care and compassion.

Find out more about how to become a carer in the UK!